December is deal time for renters

The tight rental market of the past year has made this a dismaying year for many renters who’ve seen rising rents and limited apartment availabilities.

The holiday season might bring a bit of good cheer. Fewer renters are on the move at this time of year and landlords don’t want to face a winter’s-long vacancy. We’re starting to see a few “free rent” offers on selected units and more discounting in the form of free parking, gift cards and upfront fee waivers.

With the balance of power tipping slightly in favor of renters at this time of year, renters who are using one of the limited-service or no-service rental services should be asking for a rebate of at least half of the commission. Half a month’s rent can buy a lot of holiday gifts.